Oakdale-Celebration of Life services honoring Cheryl Lynn Karam, 73, will be held on Friday morning, July 24, 2026, at 10 o’clock a.m. at Christ Church in Oakdale, La. Pastor Joshua Sampey will officiate. Cheryl will be laid to rest at Cryer Cemetery in Oakdale, La. immediately following her services.

    Cheryl’s family will receive friends and visitors at Christ Church on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 5-9 o’clock p.m. Cheryl’s visitation will resume at 8 o’clock a.m. until time of service. All of Cheryl’s arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Oakdale.

    Cheryl Lynn Karam, 73, of Oakdale, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on July 21, 2026. She was born on September 1, 1952, in Oakdale, Louisiana, to Marshall and Joan Byrd.

    Cheryl devoted 16 years of her life to serving others as a nurse, a profession that perfectly reflected her compassionate and caring spirit. She had a genuine love for helping people and never met a stranger. Her warm smile, kind heart, and willingness to lend a helping hand made everyone she encountered feel welcome and valued.

    A woman of deep Christian faith, Cheryl prayed daily and trusted God throughout every season of her life. Her faith was the foundation of her strength and the source of the love and grace she freely shared with others.

    Nothing brought Cheryl greater joy than spending time with her family and friends. She cherished every moment with those she loved and created countless memories that will be treasured forever. Her generous heart, unwavering kindness, and selfless spirit left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

    Though Cheryl's presence will be deeply missed, her legacy of faith, compassion, generosity, and unconditional love will continue to live on through her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. She leaves behind an example of a life lived with grace, service, and unwavering love for God and others.

    "Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

    Those left to cherish Cheryl’s memory include her loving husband of many years, Phillip Karam Sr. of Oakdale, Louisiana; her daughter, Kristy Joan Perry and husband, Mike Perry, of Fort Polk, Louisiana; her sons, Phillip Karam Jr. and wife, Candace, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Trenton Karam of Jennings, Louisiana. She also leaves behind nine beloved grandchildren and two cherished great-grandchildren, who brought endless joy to her life. She is also survived by her brother, Frank Byrd and wife, Kathi, of Oakdale, Louisiana; her sisters, Gwen Frazier and husband, Dennis, of Oklahoma, and June Guinn of Oakdale, Louisiana; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

    Cheryl is preceded in death by her parents, Marshall Byrd and Joan Byrd; her brother, Kenneth Byrd; and her sister, Sandra Perry.

    Pallbearers will be Jace Karam, Zach Karam, Jaxon Karam, Cameron Perry, Connor Perry, Mikel Perry, and Frank Byrd Jr.

    Honorary Pallbearers will be Chad Byrd, Alan Byrd, Brian Guinn, and Mikel Theriot.

    Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with Cheryl’s family at www.ardoinfuneralhome.com or on Facebook-Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Homes. Flowers may be sent to Christ Church in Oakdale.